Nguyen Xuan Son played the second half of Vietnam’s 3-0 friendly win against Bangladesh on 26/3. He did not score, and his movements lacked fluidity, indicating lingering effects from a right thigh muscle injury. This also led to questions about his weight.
Following the match, coach Kim Sang-sik did not confirm Son was overweight, instead suggesting further examination. Today, the striker, born in 1997, denied the claims, stating his body size stems from muscle mass, not fat.
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Nguyen Xuan Son (red shirt) playing in Vietnam’s 3-0 friendly victory against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, 26/3/2026. Photo: Ngoc Thanh |
Nguyen Xuan Son (red shirt) playing in Vietnam’s 3-0 friendly victory against Bangladesh at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, 26/3/2026. Photo: Ngoc Thanh
“Muscle is different from fat. I don’t care too much about what others say,” Nguyen Xuan Son stated. “I focus on football. When I score, everything is fine. But everything is wrong when I don’t score.”
The Brazilian-born striker confirmed he has resolved his right thigh muscle issue and feels healthy. “I have recovered well and am 100% fit for the next match,” Son added.
Today, the Vietnamese team continues to train at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center (VYS). The squad will travel to Ninh Binh tomorrow, 29/3, for final preparations before facing Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium on 31/3.
Nguyen Xuan Son emphasized the entire team is fully focused on securing a victory. He is also very familiar with Thien Truong Stadium, a venue he considers home. The 29-year-old striker shared, “This is a special match. I have long dreamed of playing for the national team here. I hope the team wins and I can score, to dedicate it to the fans and to myself, as 30/3 is my birthday.”
The Bangladesh match marked the first time in 17 months Son played alongside his former effective partner, Do Hoang Hen (Brazilian name Hendrio). However, their dangerous partnership did not fully materialize, partly because the coaching staff prioritized personnel experimentation. Son believes Hen faced pressure in his national team debut and lacked sufficient time to train with teammates. He expects this issue will resolve with more time.
Hieu Luong
